Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

Some examples of rosemaling, which features fanciful flowery designs painted on wood. The art form dates to the 1600s.

Some examples of rosemaling, which features fanciful flowery designs painted on wood. The art form dates to the 1600s.

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WHAT’S THAT?It’s a Norwegian folk art that is popular today in the Upper Peninsula in areas where Scandinavians settled in the 19th Century. It means “flower painting” and features bright, stylized depictions of various blossoms and leaves on wood.

HOW DID IT BECOME A MICHIGAN THING?Rosemaling is popular in Wisconsin and Minnesota, too. Much of the northern U.S. saw an influx of northern Europeans, who not only were used to the cold climate, but also were able to put their maritime skills to good use on the Great Lakes. Those in Michigan also worked in the lumber and copper industries.

WHY IS IT FOLK ART?This rural art form — done only by men in the olden days — was born in the 1600s when urban artists moonlighted as rural church painters who decorated pews, according to Pat Virch of Marquette, author of the book “Rosemaling: Norwegian Folk Art Fun.” Farmers looked at those flower paintings and thought, “I could do that.” They added the decorations to bedsteads, cabinets and dowry chests.

HOW IS ROSEMALING DONE?Today, acrylic or oil paints are used. In the olden days, linseed oil was the base used to make the paint. Iron oxide was used for red, ocher for yellow, carbon for black, indigo for blue and chalk for white, but colors were limited. Light wood served as the background with touches of reds, greens and dark blues. Brushes were made of hairs from inside cows’ ears and quills.

IT’S CALLED “ROSEMALING.” IS IT ALL ABOUT ROSES? No, daisies, tulips and lilies are also mainstays. None of the flowers are realistic-looking, rather fanciful. Scrolls often accent the paintings.

I’D LOVE THAT FOR MY HOME. Michigan is home to a handful of talented rosemaling experts. Plus, some local folk schools occasionally offer classes, if you prefer the DIY route.